New Massachusetts Bills Aims At Protecting Patients From Doctors

Many Americans know that Dr. Larry Nassar has been publicly shamed and sent to prison for the rest of his life for the hundreds of sexual assaults he committed while "treating" girls on the U.S.A. Gymnastics team and while working for Michigan State University. But what isn't commonly known is that depending on the location, patients aren't always protected from the actions their doctors may choose to take.

Massachusetts Seeks To Criminalize Sexual Assault By Doctors 

Currently under the law in Massachusetts, if a patient is told by a doctor that an inappropriate touch or action is part of a medical treatment and the patient consents to that treatment, then later realizes that they have been sexually assaulted, prosecution is prevented because consent was given.

The newest bill, H.1436/S.1031, would make it illegal for doctors to use the excuse that a sexual assault or rape is a treatment, even if the patient consents. The crime would be punishable by 5 to 20 years served in prison.

Disturbingly, using treatment as a cover for sexual assault is much more common than previously thought. In fact, the Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan stated that she has seen cases where a doctor inappropriately touched a patient by telling them they had to show them how to get pregnant.This is similar to Larry Nassar who informed girls on the gymnastics team that he had to touch them in private areas to treat their sports injuries.

Ryan spoke about the bill, stating:

“When they consent to that touching, which they believe is part of their treatment, we can’t prosecute,” Ryan said. “This bill would close that loophole by saying if you get consent and you’re a medical professional and you got it by making the person think it was for their treatment, that is the same as no consent.”

Hopefully this latest bill passes and becomes law, further protecting the victims of sexual assault.

Abuse Guardian: Fighting Against Sexual Assault & Rape

If you have been sexually assaulted or raped, our caring and experienced lawyers want to help. We are here to offer support during this time and can help you fight for justice. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.

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